A new study has shown what we have known for some time in functional medicine: Chronic inflammation causes brain fog and mental sluggishness — many people with chronic health conditions report these symptoms.

Exercise may seem like a bad idea when you feel run down, in pain, or fatigued from an autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity, a disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys body tissue, can make exercise feel like an impossible feat when you’re not feeling good. However, studies show daily physical activity improves outcomes and helps manage symptoms compared to not exercising at all.

People who live, work, or go to school in moldy buildings complain of pain, fatigue, increased anxiety, depression, and cognitive defects such as memory loss. Researchers say the symptoms are similar to those from bacterial or viral infections, due to the inflammatory cascades mold triggers.

Working with your hands on something physical boosts reward circuits in the brain in ways working abstractly only with your brain doesn’t. This in turn triggers a cascade of neurochemical reactions that improve motivation and self-esteem and relieve depression.

Meditation Benefits for Brain Health: The brain is highly malleable — or plastic — meaning it readily grows and adapts to input and stimulation. Much like a muscle, your brain operates on the “use it or lose it” principle.

David Freeman is a health and fitness professional with 10+ years in the fitness industry. He is the National Digital Performer Brand Manager with Life Time The Healthy Way of Life Company and has been featured on the cover of Experience Life Magazine, and in Men’s Health and Men’s Journal Magazine.

Dr. Meaghan Kirschling has a passion for education and integrative health! She has both an allopathic and alternative medical background, receiving a Doctor of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University, a B.S. in Nursing and Exercise Science from Valparaiso University, a Masters in Nutrition from the University of Connecticut Bridgeport, and a Masters of Nursing in Women's Health from the University of Cincinnati.

Natasha Wilch is a Registered Physical Therapist based in Western Canada whom had dedicated her career to working with individuals with concussion. Her passion in learning has led her to training in vestibular rehab, acupuncture, clinical neuroscience and more. She is the owner Of Symphony Rehabilitation and Co-Founder of Concussion Compass.

Taya Gauthier is a brain injury survivor and the founder of the nonprofit TBIncredible, which provides free recreational therapy through therapeutic photography.

Cristabelle Braden is an award winning singer/songwriter, keynote speaker, writer, and podcast host. She is a brain injury survivor & advocate and founder of the online support community Hope After Head Injury.

Dr. Jeremy Schmoe, DC DACNB FACFN FABBIR, is the founder and director of The Functional Neurology Center and Co Developer of The Brain Health Online Summit. Over the past 10 years he has been working with patients with complex neurological dysfunction.